This is the ingenious design of a retired Brazilian mechanic, who goes by the name Jose Alano. Not only does his design help re-use plastic bottles, it also harnesses the sun’s energy to heat water.

Photo Credit: Temasactuales.com

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Here’s What You’ll Need:

2L plastic bottles

milk cartons

100mm PVC pipe

20mm PVC pipe

90-degree 20 mm PVC elbows

20mm PVC T-connectors

20 mm PVC end caps

PVC glue

black matt paint and roller

sand paper

self-amalgamating tape

rubber hammer

hand saw

wood

storage tank or reservoir

Alano’s design does not require and pumps or electricity to circulate the water. It is based on the commonly used thermosiphon principle. The less dense hot water will tend to move upwards and the cold denser water downwards, this circulates the water.

Make sure to place the panels at least one foot under the tank, preferably on a wall or roof that faces south. It is also recommended that the plastic bottles are replaced every 5 years. You can download the Portuguese DIY leaflet guide here